To those of you who are starting university in the coming months...
First of all well done!
2: Are you packed and ready to go?
This year I am going into my Second year at Norwich University of the Arts however I remember last year around August/September time I started getting really excited about university hauls and shopping for university items myself. Even though I am doing a small haul this year (definitely not as big as last year’s) I thought I would write a Back to School/University Series instead focusing on Hairstyles, Cookbooks, Easy Recipe’s, Makeup Tutorials, Whats in my Bag and more to help the one's of you gong to university (and hopefully it will help the one's not at university too!).
Today Im bringing you a University Checklist, Their are some things I haven’t included such as Gender Based Items ( Makeup), Clothing and other items that are dependant on the person.
However these are my basics I would take to University:
Stationary
These are general essentials whilst at university, and you wont be able to borrow them from your parents drawers! I made sure to buy a cheap Hole punch and stapler and these will be useful for Research Files and Essays.
I have also listed Blutak and Masking Tape, I tend to have Bluetak around just in case but for putting pictures and posters up on the wall I would suggest masking tape as it doesn't leave marks behind which is one thing Landlords will make you pay for! (suggestion: make sure the the masking tape isn't in direct sunlight as it will cause the stickiness to melt slightly and leave a mark). Plus a memory stick will come in handy when transferring files to work on at the university computers.
Kitchen
A lot of these items you can share but I suggest having your own as these will serve you in later life when you find your own house. Kettle's, Toasters and Microwaves tend to come with properties however sometimes you may have to fork out for one for your student home; For this I suggest gathering £5-10 from each tenant (depending on how many are in your household) and buy communal items like the one's above as-well as mop's, brooms, washing up liquid, sponges and so on. If you have a food allergy or preference (vegetarian/vegan) it might be worth mentioning this to your other housemates as well as bringing separate kitchen utensils.
Cleaning
Again some of these items are communal (sponges, bin bags, kitchen and toilet roll, washing up liquid), however I would keep a couple of items like Multi-purpose spray, pegs and an airer separately for just your use.
Bathroom
Just for hygiene reasons I would suggest not to go communal on bathroom items, also if you have a communal bathroom I suggest buying a small basket so you can carry all your essentials to and from the bathroom easy!
Bedroom
Many of these item's are basic but make sure to check with your university halls or landlord what size you will need for your new bed. Mattress Protectors are also essential as if your mattress is stained with anything from Fake Tan to Alcohol you will be charged for a whole new mattress ! Blankets/Throws are perfect for when it comes to those wintery cold miserable days and if your a lover of candles be careful of where you place them (on a coaster and with nothing directly above) also keep your window slightly open if it smokes as this will set off fire alarms.
Other
These are other little pieces which I found I really needed throughout the year. Extension cables are brilliant for putting next to your desk or bedside table incase you have one to many charger or your power socket doesn't quite reach where you want it to. When I started university my Mum made me a sowing kit, a first aid kit and a tool kit; the Sowing kit didn't really help me in any way (mainly because I have no idea how to sow) However make sure to be taught how to do basic sowing as this will come in handy when rips come along! For the Toolkit she got me a simple screwdriver and some different ends which was incredibly helpful when it came to undoing battery bags and such sort. The most important of all was the First aid kit as this contained plasters, paracetomel, ibroprofen,my own tablets, bite/sting cream & savlon, I added to this as time went on to include eye drops, anti acid tablets (for inflamed tummies) etc.
Tech
This is more dependant on what you own however when it came to university I found it was important to own a laptop, a phone, a printer and a camera. Most of these are self explanatory but at first I was hesitant to get a printer but once I got to university I realised how expensive it was to print and how bad quality those expensive prints were, in that sense it was more cost effective to save us for a printer of my own. Mine also has Instant Ink from Hp which saves you money on printing (perfect for students!). Make sure to bring a camera to capture all your university memories on as-well!
Important Documents
Here it is! The Last one! One of the most important things to take to university is your important documents which include your CV (if you want to be able to apply for a part time job), Your acceptance letter and ID (You'll need these if you want to enrol), Your student finance letter (so you can receive money for the year) and all the other bits listed up above!
and here's and extra bit..
Here's a list of my favourite shops to go for university bits and bobs:
Wilko's - For general supplies (they also have a university feature on at the moment!).
Dunelm - for towels and discounted bathroom items.
Asda - For general bedroom items (bedding, cushions etc) and cheap yankee candles.
Primark - For decorations, bedding and candles.
Apple - Student Deals on Laptop's.
Endsleigh - Student Insurance.
Ikea - For general storage and kitchen essentials.
Paperchase - All things Stationary! Art, Cards and Wrapping Paper too.
WHSmiths - Stationary & books
Well I hope enjoyed this post!
If you got into university this year let me know down in the comments and tell me what you are most excited about starting this year!
